The government of Benue State on Tuesday, confirmed the suspension of five senior staff members in connection with a missing transformer and the vandalisation of another.
Dr. Agbogbo Ode, the State Head of Service (HOS), told newsmen in Makurdi that four of the individuals involved would face charges.
Among those suspended is the Director of Planning and Research in the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives, who was placed on indefinite suspension for his role in the missing transformer.
Dr. Ode explained that, following an investigation, the Permanent Secretary and Director of Administration and Supply in the ministry were cleared of any direct involvement in the case.
Additionally, four senior staff members at the State Secretariat have been suspended and are set to face charges for their alleged involvement in the vandalism of a transformer located at the secretariat.
Dr. Ode stressed that the state government would not condone any form of indiscipline within its workforce.
In a separate matter, Dr. Ode addressed rumors that Agbo Ochekpe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, had resigned due to corruption allegations.
He clarified that Ochekpe resigned after issuing an unauthorized letter of introduction for a student intending to study in Congo, without obtaining proper approval.
Dr. Ode described Ochekpe’s resignation as a responsible acknowledgment of the mistake.
